A remarkable marble statue of a woman, believed to be over 2,000 years old, has been found discarded in a rubbish bag by a local resident near Thessaloniki, Greece.
The ancient Greek sculpture was discovered in the town of Neoi Epivates, and it has since been confirmed by archaeologists that it dates back to the Hellenistic period (320-30 BC). This period marked a flourishing of art and culture, with many sculptures being created during this time.
The 31-inch statue was quickly sent for further evaluation and study before being handed over to the local antiques authority for proper preservation.
After the discovery, the authorities launched an investigation to determine who discarded the statue. A man was briefly detained for questioning but was released without facing any charges.
This unexpected find provides a glimpse into the cultural vibrancy of the Hellenistic era, a period that followed the conquests of Alexander the Great. After his death in 323 BC, his empire, which spanned from Greece to India, influenced much of the known world.
